Heading into the final stretch sprint of the season the LA Clippers are in playoff peril. Just as relevant they have lost betting on NBA games value. Catching up with the Clippers is a lack of defense that is getting worse instead of better. Defense is the staple of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Beyond that they boast one of the best players in the game with Russell Westbrook. With improved betting value lately OKC is also trying to secure a playoff spot. Fortunately, Westbrook is rising to the occasion.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Date and Time: Friday, March 16, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Betting on NBA Games Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | +4½ (-110) | 221½ (-110) |  |
| North Carolina | -4½ (-110) | 221½ (-110) | |
| |||
Clippers vs. Thunder TV Coverage: NBATV
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 41-29 straight up and 29-41 against the spread. OKC has paid out in three of their last four. Most important is the Thunder is two games ahead of six teams battling for the final four playoff spots. Defensively Oklahoma City is ranked seventh in the NBA. Improved is an offense that ranks 13th. Home court has not been a betting on NBA games asset for the Thunder. Record wise they have paid in 15 of 35 games at home. Coming off a 119-107 payout in Atlanta OKC is in good form.
Clippers
Although the Clippers have won four of their last five straight up they got the money in just one of those games. Los Angeles is just a game ahead of the playoff posse in the West. Holding back the Clippers is a defense that ranks 22nd in the NBA. Offsetting that is a solid offense that ranks seventh in the NBA for scoring. Over the total has paid in seven out of their last ten games. Unless the defense tightens up a playoff spot is no certainty.
Big Names on Court
Russell Westbrook is averaging a team best 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists per game. He scored 32 points in the Atlanta win. As a seven time All Star he was 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player. DeAndre Jordan is keeping the glass clean for LA with 15 rebounds per game. Lou Williams leads the Clippers in scoring with 23.1 points and five assists per game.
Team vs Team
Head to head the Thunder have controlled the sportsbook cashier’s cage vs. LA. Oklahoma City has covered five of their last six with the Clippers. Six of the last eight between OKC and Los Angeles have gone over the total. Chesapeake Energy Arena has seen Oklahoma City payout in three straight vs. LA. Six of the last seven in this series at OKC have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Oklahoma City has a strong defensive edge in this betting on NBA games matchup. Slumping recently the Clippers have been consistently bad on defense all season. Additionally, OKC boasts the best player on the court with Westbrook. Yet another NBA MVP Award could be his this year. Few players have done more for their teams getting into the playoffs.
Clippers vs. Thunder NBA games Betting Odds Picks
In conclusion the Thunder have the momentum, defensive, and best player edge. Oklahoma City is the call.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Thunder 119, Clippers 107